Bill Tarmey death: Coronation Street's Jack Duckworth passes away aged 71 | Daily Mail Online Coronation Street actor Bill Tarmey, who played Jack Duckworth in the soap, has died. The actor, who was 71, passed away in Tenerife on Friday morning. He is survived by wife Alma, son Carl and daughter Sara. Scroll down for video Passing: Actor Bill Tarmey, aka Coronation Street's Jack Duckworth, has died aged 71 A statement from the family of the actor read: 'The family of Bill Tarmey have confirmed that he sadly passed away this morning in Tenerife. 'They have respectfully asked the media for privacy as they grieve for a wonderful husband, father and brother.' And a statement from ITV soap Coronation Street read: 'The cast, crew and production team at Coronation Street are devastated to hear of Bill's death.

Screen star: Tarmey as Jack with his on-screen wife Vera Duckworth (Liz Dawn) and Julie Goodyear as Bet Lynch in a scene from the show in May 1983 National treasures: Jack and Vera Duckworth are one of the most famous soap couples in history 'Our thoughts and prayers are with Bill's wife and soulmate Ali and their family at this very sad time.' Actor Charlie Condou, who plays Marcus Dent in Coronation Street, shortly after the news was announced: 'I am devastated to hear that the wonderful Bill Tarmey has died. He was a beautiful, funny and lovely man, and he will be missed by us all.' Antony Cotton - who plays Sean Tully - wrote: 'Goodnight Bill Tarmey. You were the best. We'll miss you so much x' Departure: When Tarmey retired in 2010, his character Jack was written out of the soap by peacefully dying in his armchair at No.

9 Coronation Street In good spirits: One of the last pictures of Tarmey in public, taken in December 2011 Jack P Shepherd, who plays David Platt, tweeted: 'Just heard the news about Bills death tragic news for everyone #RIPBILL'. Nigel Pivaro, who played the Duckworths' layabout son Terry, said: 'I am devastated to learn of the passing of someone who became a huge part of both my professional and personal life, who I came to look on as a second father. 'He was a very wise and dignified man who taught me a great deal and whose counsel I came to value greatly. 'He was a lovely man who cared deeply for his family and friends. We are all rightly bereft at the loss we will feel knowing that the world will be a little poorer without Bill to lighten it up with his warm humour.' Michael Le Vell, who has played mechanic Kevin Webster in the show for years, said: 'Bill met my dad briefly when I first joined Coronation Street. And when my dad passed away Bill became like a surrogate dad to me. 'He and Liz looked after me and got me through those early days and we've been friends ever since.

My heart goes out to Ali and his family. We knew Bill was poorly, but this is still a very great shock. I am going to miss him very much.' Tributes also flooded in from the entertainment world, with This Morning presenter Eamonn Holmes writing: 'RIP Bill Tarmey aka Jack Duckworth. Known him for many years - always remembered the small things. Ruth & I getting more like Jack & Vera. (sic)' A life-long heavy smoker, Tarmey suffered from ailing health over the years. He had a heart attack in 1976, followed by a stroke in 1977, and underwent a quintuple heart bypass in 1986. Family comes first: One of the main reasons for Tarmey quitting Coronation Street in 2010 was to look after his son Carl, who is battling a life-threatening brain tumour Singing star: Tarmey also had a successful music career Julie Goodyear, who played Bet Lynch, said: 'This news is so very sad, not just for me but for all his other friends and of course his wife Ali, and all his family.

'This wonderful man will be sadly missed.' Catherine Tyldesley, who plays Eva in show, said: 'So sad to hear that Bill Tarmey has died. £legend #RIPBILL. My deepest sympathies to all who knew him best xxx.' Speaking about his illness following a second heart attack in 2002, which saw him fitted with a pacemaker afterwards, Tarmey said: 'I'm deeply worried. 'I have cheated death so many times I feel like a cat running out of lives. 'I've already died twice and the last time they brought me back to life using a medical version of jump leads.' Happy marriage: Tarmey seen with wife Alma, to whom he was married for 50 years TRIBUTES FLOOD IN TO A SOAP ICON Antony Cotton: Goodnight Bill Tarmey. You were the best. We'll miss you so much x Jack P Shepherd: Just heard the news about Bills death tragic news for everyone #RIPBILL Catherine Tyldesley: So sad to hear that Bill Tarmey has died. #legend #RIPBILL.

My deepest sympathies to all who knew him best xxx Julie Goodyear: This news is so very sad, not just for me but for all his other friends and of course his wife Ali, and all his family. This wonderful man will be sadly missed Nigel Pivaro: I am devastated to learn of the passing of someone who became a huge part of both my professional and personal life, who I came to look on as a second father Michael Le Vell: When my dad passed away Bill became like a surrogate dad to me. My heart goes out to Ali and his family. We knew Bill was poorly, but this is still a very great shock Nick Cochrane: He was such a funny guy, he will be much missed by all who knew him and watched him, he made millions watching laugh every week for over 30 years - a true professional Tarmey also long refused to give up smoking, saying in one interview: 'I could make it easier on myself. I could give up smoking. I could go and sit in a rocking chair. 'But that wouldn't be me.

That would kill me sooner than the old ticker would.' Tarmey quit Coronation Street in April 2010 to spend more time with his family, after 30 years playing Duckworth. His decision to leave also came as his son Carl is battling a life-threatening brain tumour. Tarmey said: 'You would have had to drag me kicking and screaming from the Street. 'It was my life and I loved it. But I needed to be with my family and Carl.' His final scenes in the show saw Jack dying peacefully in his armchair at No.9 Coronation Street after attending his 74th birthday party at the Rovers Return pub. He said at the time: 'People often ask me if I like Jack Duckworth and I always reply, "Like him, I bloody love him!" I have had the most amazing 30 years playing Jack.

'Because of him I have made some fantastic friends and travelled all over the world and I will be sorry to say goodbye to Jack.' Tarmey was born in Ashton-under-Lyne on April 4 1941, and was just three years old when his ambulance driver father, William Snr, was killed by shellfire as he ferried casualties to a field hospital in Uden, Holland. Tragic loss: Tarmey began his career as an extra on Corrie before he moved on to his starring role, which netted him £100,000-a-year The family grew up with little money and Tarmey left school to enter the building trade. He married his childhood sweetheart Alison - to whom he remained married for 50 years - and they had two children. Before joining Coronation Street as an extra in 1977, he struggled to make ends meet and said one incident involving his young son brought home to him the importance of money. The little boy came home upset one day because he had been dropped from his football team.

Tragic news: Jennie McAlpine looked upset as she headed for home after a day on set Feeling the loss: Michelle Collins was seen leaving the set and appeared downcast Feeling the stain: Catherine Tyldesley was seen dressed in a onsie as she left work. The actress had tweeted her condolences Tarmey recalled: 'I couldn't understand it and went to see the trainer, who told me he had been dropped because he wouldn't take goal kicks. 'His football boots were too small, but he was too afraid to tell me because he knew I couldn't afford a new pair. 'I went home and cried that night. I vowed that I'd never be poor again.' Despite his TV fame, music remained Tarmey's first love and over the years he released a host of cover versions and big band numbers. Bill Tarmey - Jack Duckworth of Coronation Street actor - dies - Telegraph Bill Tarmey - Jack Duckworth of Coronation Street actor - dies Bill Tarmey, who played Jack Duckworth on Coronation Street for many years, died this morning.

By Martin Chilton , Digital Culture Editor 1:49PM GMT 09 Nov 2012 Follow Coronation Street star Bill Tarmey , who played Jack Duckworth for many years, died this morning. The 71-year-old left the soap in 2010 after more than 30 years playing the pigeon-fancying, loveable rogue alongside Liz Dawn, who played his wife Vera. A life-long heavy smoker, he suffered a minor heart attack at the age of 35 and then had a second bypass operation in 2002. It is believed he died while on a family holiday in Tenerife. Despite his TV fame, music remained Tarmey's first love and over the years he released a host of cover versions and big band numbers. Julie Goodyear, who played Bet Lynch, said: "This news is so very sad, not just for me but for all his other friends and of course his wife Ali, and all his family. This wonderful man will be sadly missed." Tarmey was born in Ashton-under-Lyne on April 4 1941 and started out working as a builder and began his showbiz career singing in working men's clubs.

Related Articles Coronation Street star Bill Tarmey, who played Jack Duckworth, dies at 71 | Radio Times Coronation Street star Bill Tarmey, who played Jack Duckworth, dies at 71 The actor, famed for his 30 years in the Weatherfield soap, passed away in Tenerife on Thursday Comments David Brown 1:49 PM, 09 November 2012 Coronation Street actor Bill Tarmey, who played Jack Duckworth, has died at the age of 71. He passed away in Tenerife on Thursday morning. A statement from the actor’s family read: “The family of Bill Tarmey have confirmed that he sadly passed away this morning in Tenerife. They have respectfully asked the media for privacy as they grieve for a wonderful husband, father and brother.” The production team at Coronation Street added: “The cast, crew and production team at Coronation Street are devastated to hear of Bill's death.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Bill's wife and soulmate Ali and their family at this very sad time.” Tarmey made his debut as lovable rogue Jack in 1979 and played the role for over three decades before leaving the series in November 2010. His final scenes saw Jack dying peacefully in his armchair at home, reunited in his last moments with onscreen wife Vera (Liz Dawn). On his departure from the show, the actor said: “I’ve had the most amazing 30 years playing Jack. Because of him I’ve made fantastic friends and travelled all over the world. I’ll be sorry to say goodbye.” Like this? Share it. Bill Tarmey, Coronation Street star, dies - BBC News BBC News Bill Tarmey, Coronation Street star, dies 9 November 2012 Read more about sharing. Close share panel Media captionA look at the life and career of Bill Tarmey, best known as Coronation Street's Jack Duckworth Actor Bill Tarmey, who played Jack Duckworth in ITV soap opera Coronation Street, has died.

Tarmey, 71, left the soap in 2010 after more than 30 years in the show. His family confirmed that he died in Tenerife, Spain, on Friday, and asked for "privacy as they grieve for a wonderful husband, father and brother". Liz Dawn, who played his on-screen wife Vera Duckworth, said: "You couldn't wish to meet a more lovely man and a true gentleman." A statement from Coronation Street said the cast, crew and production team were "devastated" to learn of his death. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Bill's wife and soulmate Ali and their family at this very sad time," it said. Tarmey was married to his childhood sweetheart Alison for 50 years and they had two children. Media captionAlan Halsall, who plays Tyrone Dobbs, said: "He would literally do anything for anybody" As well as suffering ill health himself, Tarmey eventually left Coronation Street to help care for his son Carl, who was battling a brain tumour. He told ITV Granada earlier this year: "If this hadn't happened, they would've had to drag me out of there screaming.

It was a wonderful bloody job, especially for an old coffin-dodger." A life-long heavy smoker, Tarmey suffered a severe heart attack at just 35 while singing on stage and had heart surgery to bypass clogged arteries at 45, having the operation redone 15 years later. He also suffered from sleep apnoea, a condition that resulted in him jolting awake several times a night due to breathing problems. Liz Dawn, who played his nagging on-screen wife until 2008, said: "I am totally bereft. He will always be remembered by everyone he came into contact with because he was such a kind and generous man." For Tarmey's final appearance in the soap two years ago, Jack and Vera were reunited one last time when they appeared to dance together as a dying Jack drifted in and out of consciousness. Image caption Jack and Vera, played by Liz Dawn, were two of the Street's best loved characters Other co-stars have also been paying tribute. Kevin Kennedy, who played Curly Watts, said he was "absolutely devastated" and that Tarmey's death was "like losing a member of the family".

Nigel Pivaro, who starred as Jack and Vera's wayward son Terry, described Tarmey as "a very wise and dignified man who taught me a great deal". William Roache, who has played Ken Barlow since the soap stated in 1960, praised Tarmey's "amazing comic timing" and said he was "a genuinely warm and wonderful human being". Vicky Entwistle, who appeared as Janice Battersby in the soap, said Tarmey would be missed by everyone who worked with him. "He was just such a lovely man to have around," she said. "So warm and always full of fun. The character of Jack was such a jack the lad, there was that wonderful mischievous side to him. He was so well loved by everyone - just a beautiful kind man.

Image caption Bill Tarmey appeared in Coronation Street from 1979 to 2010 "We all used to look up to him and learn from him and watch him because he made everything look so easy." In 2010, Tarmey published his autobiography, Jack Duckworth And Me, which charted his life from growing up in the slums of Manchester through to working as a singer in local nightclubs before landing a role on the Street in 1979. He said: "I've loved sharing my life with Jack. I'm not sure whether he has liked sharing his with me, though!" Former co-star Jean Alexander, who played long-time Coronation Street resident Hilda Ogden, told the BBC Tarmey and Dawn were "a really good team". "He certainly took to that part like a duck to water," she said as she recalled acting with him during his first scene in the soap's pub The Rovers Return. "I was standing next to him on the set and we were just about to start this scene. He said 'Jean I've only ever done walk-ons.

I'm terribly nervous, I'll forget what I've got to say.' "I said 'No you won't Bill, just keep your mind still, open your mouth and the words will come out'. He soon got over that. "And the part was so suitable for him personally. He was the right sort of character and the right sort of person to play it. I'm very sorry he's gone." Coronation Street star Bill Tarmey dies - ITV News 9 November 2012 at 1:37pm Coronation Street star Bill Tarmey dies Coronation Street stars Bill Tarmey and Liz Dawn in character as Jack and Vera Duckworth Photo: Phil Noble/PA Wire Former Coronation Street star Bill Tarmey, who played Jack Duckworth in the soap, died this morning in Tenerife aged 71, his family said. His family paid tribute to a "wonderful husband, father and brother," while cast and crew of Coronation Street said they were "devastated" to hear the sad news. The family of Bill Tarmey have confirmed that he sadly passed away this morning in Tenerife.

They have respectfully asked the media for privacy as they grieve for a wonderful husband, father and brother. – Family statement Bill Tarmey, playing Coronation Street favourite Jack Duckworth, has died aged 71. Credit: CROFT/PA Archive/Press Association Images To see our ongoing coverage and for more tributes click here . Tarmey made his first appearance in the soap as an extra in 1977 while working as a club singer. Show bosses spotted his potential and two years later he landed the role of Jack and went on to star in the soap for more than 30 years. The cast, crew and production team at Coronation Street are devastated to hear of Bill's death. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bill's wife and soulmate Ali and their family at this very sad time. – Coronation Street statement Bill left the cast of Coronation Street in November 2010, roughly 50 years after the soap first begun, to care for his son who had been diagnosed with a brain tumour. In an interview at the time, he admitted his departure had been "very emotional" and that he would miss everyone on both sides of the camera.

In May 2012, he told ITV Granada that if it hadn't been for his son's illness "they would've had to drag me out of there screaming. "It was a wonderful bloody job, especially for an old coffin-dodger". A heavy smoker, Bill was dogged by ill-health and underwent two heart bypass operations over the years. In his final scenes in the soap, viewers saw his character die peacefully in his armchair before he was seen, in a dream-like sequence, sharing a last dance with Vera. Around 11 million people tuned in to watch. Last updated Sun 20 Jul 2014 'Coronation Street' actor Bill Tarmey dies at 71 'Coronation Street' actor Bill Tarmey dies at 71 JILL LAWLESS Pin it Share File photo dated July 1999 of Liz Dawn and Bill Tarmey, who played Jack and Vera Duckworth for many years, on long running British soap opera "Coronation Street," Tarmey died Friday Nov. 9, 2012, a spokeswoman for the show said.

Tarmey was a former laborer and nightclub singer who first appeared on "Coronation Street" in 1977 as an extra. He was made a regular two years later and stayed until 2010. (AP Photo/ Phil Noble/PA file ) UNITED KINGDOM OUT - NO SALES - NO ARCHIVES More LONDON (AP) — Actor Bill Tarmey, who for 30 years played loveable rogue Jack Duckworth on the British soap opera "Coronation Street," died Friday at the age of 71, the show's producers said. Tarmey died on the Spanish island of Tenerife. He had been in poor health for many years with heart problems and other ailments. "I could make it easier on myself. I could give up smoking. I could go and sit in a rocking chair," Tarmey once said. "But that wouldn't be me. That would kill me sooner than the old ticker would." Work-shy, pigeon-fancying Jack and his tart-tongued wife Vera, played by Liz Dawn, were among the longest-running characters on the soap, which is set in a working-class town in northwest England.

Their rocky but enduring relationship was at the emotional heart of the fictional community of Weatherfield. Tarmey was a former laborer and nightclub singer who first appeared on "Coronation Street" in 1977 as an extra. He was made a regular two years later and stayed until 2010. Some 11 million people watched his final episode, in which Jack died peacefully in his armchair. He was also a singer, and had two top-40 singles in Britain, including a cover of "Wind Beneath My Wings." But he remained modest. "I'm just a pillock (fool) who comes into a studio to say some words that some other clever person has written," Tarmey wrote in his autobiography, "Jack Duckworth And Me." "For years, I'd managed to get away with it, but I'd always been waiting for the bubble to burst." "Coronation Street" has fans around the globe — including rapper Snoop Dogg, who recorded a message to mark its 50th anniversary in 2010. Tarmey is survived by his wife, a son and a daughter.

Reblog 'A true gentleman': Coronation Street star Bill Tarmey who played Jack Duckworth dies aged 71 | The Independent 'A true gentleman': Coronation Street star Bill Tarmey who played Jack Duckworth dies aged 71 Friday 9 November 2012 18:04 BST Click to follow 'A true gentleman': Coronation Street star Bill Tarmey who played Jack Duckworth dies aged 71 1/3 Former Coronation Street star Bill Tarmey, who played Jack Duckworth for many years, died this morning, a spokeswoman for the show said PA 2/3 Jack Duckworth (Bill Tarmey) waltzed out of Corrie with the spirit of deceased wife Vera (Elizabeth Dawn) in 2010 IAN CARTWRIGHT / ITV Jack Duckworth punches his son Terry GRANADA Former Coronation Street star Bill Tarmey, who played Jack Duckworth for many years, died this morning, a spokeswoman for the show said Bill Tarmey, who played the role of Jack Duckworth in Coronation Street for more than 30 years, has died aged 71.

The actor died yesterday morning while on holiday in Tenerife, a spokesman for ITV said. Tarmey made his first appearance in the soap as an extra in 1977, after one of the show’s producers saw him working as a club singer. He went on to become one of its longest serving characters – playing a loveable rogue with a fondness for pigeons. Jack Duckworth and his wife Vera, played by actress Liz Dawn, were among the most popular characters on the show, and regarded my many of their peers as a British institution. Paying tribute to her on-screen husband, Mrs Dawn said Tarmey was “a true gentleman.” “Bill was part of my family. When you work with someone for so long, as we did, it becomes more than just work. “Our families were close and I am devastated for Ali and his family. I am totally bereft. He will always be remembered by everyone he came into contact with because he was such a kind and generous man,” he said.

Nigel Pivaro, who played the Duckworths' layabout son Terry, said: ”I am devastated to learn of the passing of someone who became a huge part of both my professional and personal life, who I came to look on as a second father. “He was a very wise and dignified man who taught me a great deal and whose counsel I came to value greatly. The soap's longest-serving star, Bill Roache, who has played Ken Barlow since it started, also paid tribute to the “wonderful” actor. ”Over the years Coronation Street has produced characters who are really powerful and legendary – Jack Duckworth was one of those. “He was the downtrodden loveable rogue who never got anything right but was loved by everyone. This was down to Bill Tarmey's incredible skills as an actor: He had amazing comic timing and was a genuinely warm and wonderful human being.” Throughout his time on the show, Tarmey was dogged by ill-health. A heavy smoker, he suffered a heart attack at 35-years-old, and had a stroke a year later.

At age 45, he underwent surgery to bypass clogged arteries, and had a pacemaker fitted after suffering a second heart attack in 2002. But although it played a factor, it was not Tarmey’s own ill-health that led to him leaving Coronation Street in 2010, but that of his son, who was battling a life threatening brain tumour. Speaking earlier this year of his decision to leave the show, he said: “If this hadn't happened they would've had to drag me out of there screaming. It was a wonderful bloody job, especially for an old coffin-dodger”. In his final scenes in the soap, viewers saw his character die peacefully in his armchair before he was seen, in a dream-like sequence, sharing a last dance with Vera. Around 11 million people tuned in to watch, but Tarmey remained modest about his acting talent. Writing in his autobiography, Jack Duckworth And Me, he said: “I'm just a pillock who comes into a studio to say some words that some other clever person has written. ”For years, I'd managed to get away with it, but I'd always been waiting for the bubble to burst.“ What they said...

Vicky Entwistle (Janice Battersby): “He was just such a lovely man to have around. So warm and always full of fun. The character of Jack was such a jack the lad, there was that wonderful mischievous side to him. He was so well loved by everyone – just a beautiful kind man.” Julie Goodyear (Bet Lynch): “This news is so very sad, not just for me but for all his other friends and of course his wife, Ali, and all his family. This wonderful man will be sadly missed.” Michael Le Vell (Kevin Webster): “Bill met my dad briefly when I first joined Coronation Street. And when my dad passed away Bill became like a surrogate dad to me. He and Liz looked after me and got me through those early days and we’ve been friends ever since. My heart goes out to Ali and his family.” Staff of Coronation Street: “The cast, crew and production team at Coronation Street are devastated to hear of Bill’s death.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Bill’s wife and soulmate Ali and their family at this very sad time.” More about: Jack Duckworth | Coronation Street Wiki | Fandom powered by Wikia William Tarmey John Harold "Jack" Duckworth was the husband of the late Vera and father of Terry . The Duckworths lived at 9 Coronation Street from 1983 until 2010 , although Jack and Vera also owned and lived at the Rovers Return Inn from 1995 to 1998 . Jack loved beer, his pigeons, and gambling, but most of all he loved his moments away from Vera; despite their obvious love for each other Jack and Vera were always rowing and, in the early years of the marriage, playing away. Despite being no pushover, Jack could appear to be under battleaxe Vera's thumb as he usually let her have her way so he could have peace and quiet. However, they were one of the Street 's strongest couples as they were always down-on-their-luck and when times were hard (which they always were) they closed ranks. This was true particularly where their son Terry was concerned.

Like Jack, Terry was a bit of a jack-the-lad, but Terry had little regard for other people and used them for his own ends. The Duckworths suffered as Vera always believed that Terry was turning over a new leaf, only for Terry to abuse her faith and hurt her, leaving Jack to pick up the pieces. Jack was never fooled but usually gave him a chance for Vera's sake. Another area where Jack didn't have much luck was work. After a few years working as a taxi driver, Jack got a job as a cellarman at the Rovers in 1985 . A layabout, Jack didn't enjoy cellar work and he often had to put up with being the butt of the other staff's jokes. Ten years later, the Duckworths dream came true when they used money they inherited after Jack's brother Clifford died to buy the Rovers, but the endeavour was not successful and the couple were bought out by Alec Gilroy in 1997 . After some time running Park Road B&B , the Duckworths returned to No.9. They spent the later years of their lives playing surrogate parents to Tyrone Dobbs , who became more of a son to them than Terry had been.

They were planning to retire to Blackpool , as their grandson Tommy lived there, but Vera died in her sleep in 2008 and Jack decided to stay in Weatherfield . He passed away in 2010 after contracting Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, having spent the last year of his life living with fellow pigeon-lover Connie Rathbone (although they were just friends). Contents Edit Jack was born to parents Harry and Maggie Duckworth in 1936 and brought up on Butler Street . While working at a British fairground ride, the Waltzer, he met Veronica Burton and they began a relationship. They got married in 1957 and had a son named Terry . Married life to Vera Edit Jack first appeared on 28th November 1979 when he made his mark on the street by embarrassing Vera with his common ways at Brian Tilsley 's marriage to Gail Potter . He was next seen in 1981, becoming a semi-regular character from 18th May 1981 and a regular character in 1983, when the Duckworths moved into the Street, much to the dismay of the neighbours.

During a trip to the United States , Jack confessed to having lied at their wedding (by making a smudge on his year of birth to make it look like another number), and said he was two years older than he really was just to impress a young Vera. Since they were not legally married, they tied the knot in the famous Little White Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas . The Duckworth marriage was always rocky, owing in part to their wayward son, Terry , and extra-marital flings by both Jack and Vera. In 1982, Jack had an affair with the street's prolific man-eater Bet Lynch , which she later regretted. He enrolled with a video dating agency in 1983, calling himself Vince St. Clair and adopted a white suit, gold medallion and fake trans-Atlantic accent. Vera, alerted by Bet Lynch, arranged to meet Jack under the name of Carole Munro . The meeting took place in the Rovers, with Vera wearing a ginger wig.

This led to a classic confrontation; 'Carole Munroe' had been claiming to be a rich widow, which led Jack to say "You're no flamin' widow!" As Vera swiped Jack with her handbag she shouted "No! But I will be ten minutes after I get you home!" Vera also had her fair share of lovers. She was tempted by a former romance in with the smarmy Lestor Fontaine, but realised she could never leave Jack. In the year 2000, when she believed she was about to die in an operation, she confessed to Jack through a goodbye letter that Terry may not have been his real son due to a fling early in their marriage. Jack confessed to Curly Watts that he knew of the affair at the time (and put an end to it by beating up her lover unknown to Vera), but also knew that Terry was his son, as he reminded him too much of himself. The Duckworth grandchildren Edit The Duckworths had three grandchildren: Paul (by Andrea Clayton ), Tommy (by Lisa Duckworth ), and Brad (by Tricia Armstrong ), but they hardly saw any of them due to Terry's reluctance to be a father.

Paul was conceived in the mid-1980s, but the teenage Andrea fled with her family to escape Terry. In the early 1990s, Terry made his then girlfriend, Lisa Horton, pregnant. He was imprisoned but vowed to marry her, and the pair were delighted when Terry was allowed out of prison (although handcuffed) for one day only for his wedding. They duly married but the groom escaped from the police and went on the run. He was later re-captured in a supermarket car park, where he had lingered too long in order to tell Lisa how much he loved her and that the flight from the wedding was just opportunistic and didn't reflect on their relationship. However, she knew that Terry was a rogue and always would be, so she broke off their relationship and, despite being pregnant, set up home with Des Barnes at No.6 . Vera turned against her instantly, even accusing her of being the reason for Terry's misfortune. Jack however knew that Terry would never stand by his family, but felt duty bound to stand by his wife in their shunning of Lisa.

She gave birth to a little boy, Tommy, and everything seemed perfect for their surrogate family, until one night Lisa was killed by a car as she was leaving the Rovers and crossing the street. Following this tragedy, Tommy went to live with his paternal grandparents, but Jack and Vera found it hard to cope. They also suffered financially. A callous Terry sold his son to his maternal grandparents, the Hortons of Blackpool , despite Vera's impassioned pleas. Jack's response to Terry's actions was more straightforward and uncompromising - he punched Terry on the jaw. Terry's one-night stand with barmaid Tricia Armstrong resulted in baby Brad, but Terry didn't want to know about his son, and Tricia left with a new lover, decorator Ray Thorpe . The Duckworths tried several times to win custody of Tommy from the Hortons, but to no avail. They continued to see him occasionally, but relations remained strained. Later years and losing Vera Edit Jack and Vera calmed down in their later years, becoming more of a down-to-earth northern couple. They became surrogate parents for Tyrone Dobbs (whose mother, Jackie , had been in prison for violence). Jack considered him to be more his own son than Terry ever was.

Jack adored his pigeons, though Vera could not stand them, and once tricked him into believing that she had cooked him a pigeon pie. In 2005 Jack agreed to sell his dead body for a certain sum of cash to an artist who enjoys painting stuffed humans, so he could buy Vera a Christmas present. When Vera discovered this, she argued with the woman. The artist was in spired to ask both Jack and Vera to pose nude for the artist, on condition that they would be buried as normal. The Duckworths celebrated their Golden wedding anniversary with a party at the Rovers in August 2007 . Vera died suddenly on 18th January 2008 in the armchair at her house, where she was discovered by a devastated Jack. They had been planning to move to Blackpool at the time, but Vera's death prompted Jack to call off the move and remain in Weatherfield. He still planned on selling the house to Tyrone and his fiancée Molly Compton and eventually did so, but still remained resident. Jack began a friendship with a pigeon lover called Connie in 2009 , although Tyrone didn't approve as he saw her just wanting to replace Vera.

However Tyrone eventually accepted her and put behind his stubbornness. Connie was well off, and Jack left to live with her but still visited the Street. He was touched deeply when Tyrone and Molly had a son and named him Jack . Last few months and death Edit In 2010 , Jack suddenly returned - no longer living with Connie but wouldn't say why. Tyrone and Molly allowed him to move back in to No.9, but wanted to know what exactly was going on especially when Connie turned up and demanded he be honest. Jack then confessed to Tyrone he had non-Hodgkin lymphoma which was incurable and he would be dead within weeks. Tyrone was devastated, but he and Jack resolved to make the most of his last few weeks. Jack also decided to perform secret acts of kindness for his friends and neighbours. He donated £2,000 to help fix the church roof after seeing Emily Bishop collecting in the Rovers, and when he heard Sally Webster say that she had always wanted to go to an opera he anonymously bought her tickets. He also helped Ashley Peacock and his wife Claire through their marriage difficulties by encouraging them to talk to each other.

Knowing that Jack's upcoming birthday would be his last, Tyrone set about organising a party in the Rovers to celebrate. One night, Jack was left extremely upset when he overheard an argument between Molly and Kevin Webster and learned that Molly had cheated on Tyrone with Kevin who was actually Jack's father but initially kept the information to himself. On 7th November , Jack enjoyed the gathering at the Rovers for his birthday seeing his long-time friends and neighbours but could barely contain his hostility around Kevin. He then confessed to Molly that he knew about her and Kevin, but told her that he and Vera had both cheated on each other more than once but still had a wonderful marriage. However he warned her to move away from Weatherfield with Tyrone and Jack, as it was the only way to put the affair truly behind her. He then decided to slip away from the party, with Ken Barlow raising a glass to him as he left. Jack returned to the house after a final look at the bustling street where he'd spent so long and put on one of Vera's records and went to sleep. He woke up to a familiar voice and saw the spirit of Vera standing in front of him, beckoning him to join her.

As Jack believed he was enjoying a romantic dance with Vera, he peacefully passed away in his armchair. Tyrone, Molly and Connie found Jack's body shortly afterwards, and Tyrone said an emotional farewell to his 'dad'. Background information Edit Before William Tarmey first appeared as Jack Duckworth in 1979 , he was an extra on the show, and made background appearances, normally in the Rovers . In December 1978 , he played the minor speaking role of Jack Rowe . Having been seen briefly in late November 1979 , the character did not feature in the show in 1980 . He became a semi-regular in 1981 , and a Street resident and regular character in 1983. From September 2009 onwards, Jack Duckworth became a recurring character, due to Tarmey's failing health. He quit in 2010 and the character departed on-screen in November 2010 . Tarmey was originally going to reprise his role as Jack for ITV 's Text Santa sketch, broadcast on 21st December 2012 , however he passed away on 9th November .

Instead his voice could be heard in this mini-episode. Elizabeth Dawn reprised the role of Vera Duckworth for the special. Quotes "Gin and orange." (First line) --- "You've heard of the Bride of Frankenstein? Well I'm the husband of Vera Duckworth ." (on his lack of Halloween costume) --- "Blimey, give me an 'airnet and I'd pass for Ena Sharples !" (looking in the mirror dressed as Ida Fagg ) --- Vera Duckworth | Coronation Street Wiki | Fandom powered by Wikia Elizabeth Dawn Veronica "Vera" Duckworth (née Burton) was a Coronation Street resident from 1983 to 2008 . She was married to Jack Duckworth for fifty years and was mother of Terry . Vera had a big mouth and a fiery temper. She and Jack were both workshy and were often looked on by their neighbours as scroungers; when they moved into 9 Coronation Street in 1983 people thought they lowered the tone.

On the surface, Vera and Jack appeared a very unstable couple - they rowed (often in public), they were both unfaithful, they lied to and manipulated each other, they didn't seem to enjoy each other's company, and yet their marriage stood the test of time as deep down they did love each other. Vera first appeared in the Street in 1974 when she worked at the Mark Brittain mail order warehouse . She later worked at factory Baldwin's Casuals from 1976 until its demolition in 1989 , upon which she took a job at supermarket Bettabuy . Vera was always on the lookout for ways to improve her lifestyle, although others found her tastes questionable; in 1989 she had No.9 stone-clad, but Jack agreed with most of the neighbours that it was hideous. In 1995 , she realised her dream of becoming a respected member of the community when she became the licensee of the Rovers Return Inn . She and Jack served as landlords until 1998 when their partner Alec Gilroy bought them out.

Vera had several more low-paid jobs until her retirement in 2007 , her latter being a waitress at Roy's Rolls . Vera was protective of her family, this extending to Jack, whatever his misdeeds, and their wayward son Terry. Terry was always out for money and didn't care who he hurt, but Vera hoped that he would settle down and make her proud, even after his stint in prison for GBH. When he sold his son Tommy to Tommy's recently deceased mother Lisa 's parents for £10,000, Vera finally conceded that no good would come of Terry - although her hopes would be raised every time he re-entered her life, only for Vera to be let down again. The Duckworths were planning a retirement to Blackpool in 2008 but Vera died from heart failure in January . Contents Edit The Duckworth marriage was always rocky due to their wayward son, Terry , and extra-marital flings.

In 1982, Jack had an affair with Street man-eater Bet Lynch , and in 1983 he went to a video dating agency - for which he donned a snazzy suit, assumed a fake name (Vince St Clair) and adopted an American accent. Vera, alerted by Bet Lynch, was shocked to see Jack's video. She met him in the Rovers under the name "Carole Monroe" wearing a ginger wig. When she turned around, poor Jack was stunned! Vera also had her fair share of lovers: she was tempted by a former romance in 1991 in Blackpool , but stayed with her husband. In 2000 , when she believed she could die during in an operation, she confessed to Jack that Terry might not be his real son, but was the product of a fling early in their marriage. Jack told Curly Watts he had always known about the affair and was convinced Terry was his as, to his shame, they are very alike.

Working & workmates Edit Another thing that rocked Vera's world was when, during their trip to the United States , Jack confessed to having lied at their wedding (by making a smudge on his year of birth to make it look like another number), and said he was two years older than he really was to impress Vera. Since they were not legally married, they tied the knot in the famous Little White Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas . This story played out on the home video 'Viva Las Vegas' and was not featured in the regular series, so may not be part of the series' canon. Children and grandchildren Edit The Duckworths have three grandsons: Paul (by Andrea Clayton ), Tommy (by Lisa Horton ), and Brad (by Tricia Armstrong ), but didn't see them for a long time due to Terry's reluctance to be a father. Paul was conceived in the mid- 1980s , but Andrea Clayton fled with her family to escape Terry. In the early 1990s , Terry made his girlfriend, Lisa Horton, pregnant. He was imprisoned but vowed to marry her, and the pair were delighted when Terry was allowed out of prison (albeit handcuffed) for his wedding.

They duly married and the groom tried to make a run for it from the police, and he revealed that he only married a heartbroken Lisa to try to escape. She gave birth to Tommy and set up home with Des Barnes , but tragically was run over and killed. Jack and Vera took the little boy in, but while they loved having their grandson, they found it difficult to make ends meet, as Vera had quit her job to care for Tommy full-time. Regardless of this, she looked forward to Christmas , as Terry was due to be released from prison and she hoped they would then be a proper family. However it wasn't to be, as upon leaving prison, Terry took Tommy to Lisa's parents in Blackpool and returned without him, having agreed to give him to the Hortons in exchange for £2,000 a year. Vera could only sit by and watch as Terry lied that he had done it for Jack and Vera's sake, causing Jack to punch and disown his son. Despite pleading with Terry and Lisa's father to return him, they refused. Terry quickly left the Street and Vera was left completely devastated.

Finally, a one-night stand with barmaid Tricia Armstrong resulted in baby Brad, but Terry didn't want to know, and she left with a new lover. The Duckworths tried several times to win Tommy from the Hortons, but to no avail. Royal ancestors? Edit In 1991 , at Vera's mother Amy Burton 's funeral, a man named Joss Shackleton approached Vera and told her that he was the father she had never known. He also stunned her when he let her in on the family secret — his father was the illegitimate grandson of King Edward VII, thus Vera believed herself to be a second cousin once removed of Queen Elizabeth II. Joss lived with the Duckworths for a while before moving into his old flat, where he died of a heart attack a short time later. Jack's Christmas present Edit Jack and Vera calmed down over the years and took in the likes of Tyrone Dobbs as a surrogate son for wayward Terry, who was often in prison or some sort of trouble. They were very well known as a down-to-earth northern couple and comic double act. Jack adored keeping pigeons, but Vera could not stand them.

In 2006 , Jack agreed to sell his dead body for a certain sum of cash to an artist who enjoys painting stuffed humans, so he could buy Vera a Christmas present. When Vera discovered this, she argued with the woman, who then turned up, inspired by Vera, they agreed to both pose for the artist, but on condition that they would be buried as normal. 2007 Edit Vera was restricted for most of 2007 to her house due to an injury to her ankle and was cared for by Tyrone Dobbs and Molly Compton . They bought her a baby monitor so Jack, Molly and Tyrone could talk to Vera while they were in the pub. Later, Jack and Vera's grandson Paul Clayton arrived on the Street but little did Vera know that Paul was scamming Jack and Vera out of money, stealing money from Jack and blaming it on Tyrone. Vera was disappointed in Tyrone but Molly was adamant that Tyrone hadn't stolen the money. Vera refused to believe this of Molly and could never believe that her own flesh and blood could steal from her. Jack and Vera celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary with a party at the Rovers in August 2007 .

Vera decided that she and Jack were to move to their dream place of Blackpool but Paul was forced to confess to Jack that he had stolen the money for the house. Jack was appalled but had to keep it secret from Vera as he didn't want to hurt her and destroy her dreams. Vera still desperately wanted to move to Blackpool so Jack eventually told Vera that he spent a lot of the money they saved to help Paul buy his half of the restaurant, but added the excuse that he spent it before he knew they were going to Blackpool. Jack knew that if he told Vera the truth she would be heart broken and she was still greatly upset and went to bed to get over the shock. Moving to Blackpool Edit On 7th January 2008 , Vera wanted to further her plans to move to Blackpool so Tyrone went to Blackpool to get her property brochures to help them decide which properties they could afford, Vera was overjoyed and grateful that she had more choice.

On 11th January , Vera picked a house in Blackpool that she wanted her and Jack to move to, she and Jack put in an offer for the house for £10,000 less than the asking price, Vera picked up the phone and said that she felt like she was going to have one of her "premonitions." Vera's "premonitions" were right and the phone rang after Molly and Tyrone came back into the house and told Jack and Vera that they wanted to put in an offer for the house, Vera and Jack were elated as were Molly and Tyrone. On 14th January , Vera was making further preparations for the move and even started packing. Some objects brought back memories for her and she wanted Paul to stay on and live with Molly and Tyrone at No.9, Jack told her that they should leave them to sort out the living arrangements, but Tyrone was later convinced by Molly to let Paul stay for the extra rent. On 15th January , Molly was deciding plans for the house for after Jack and Vera were leaving.

Vera saw her plans to add wooden floorings but Vera cut in saying that the houses on the street were simple for "simple" working-class people, Tyrone and Jack agreed with Vera as she reminisced about serving meals and her time at No.9, Vera became a bit reluctant and asked Jack if they were doing the right thing. Later Jack, Vera, Molly, Tyrone and Paul all gathered at the Rovers and toasted to their future as they were departing in six weeks time. Vera and Jack were adamant that they wanted to keep their departure under wraps as they didn't want a big fuss. Death Edit Jack 'reunites' with Vera before his passing. Vera was referenced numerous times since her death. In 2009 Jack had grown close to widower and fellow pigeon lover Connie Rathbone . Later that year he had moved out of 9 Coronation Street to live with Connie and allow Tyrone and Molly to live their own lives. On the last day, he reminisced the first day he and Vera first moved into the street and that she had gotten into an argument with Hilda Ogden. Although living with Connie for the next year, Jack had kept the relationship purely friendship and honored Vera's memory.

In 2010 Jack was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma with not long to live, and returned to No.9 in order to die there. On 7th November (his 74th birthday) Jack returned home after a birthday celebration in the Rovers and lay in Vera's chair. There he had witnessed a vision of Vera there to take him away. Vera had told him to get a move on as the "bus" was arriving. The both of them shared a kiss and a dance, signalling that Jack had passed away. Background information Elizabeth Dawn first played Vera in 1974 Vera had made a one-off appearance in 1974 as a warehouse worker. Two years later, she returned for a full-time appearance. She had also appeared earlier in the year in February, but just in a background briefly in a non-speaking appearance. Elizabeth Dawn quit the show in 2007 due to suffering from a lung disease called emphysema. Despite an offering to reduce her roles to a recurring appearance, Dawn decided to quit instead. The character was later written out of the show and passed away in January 2008 , ending 34 years of a popular iconic character.

Promo of Liz Dawn as Vera's ghost for the 2012 Text Santa sketch. In 2010 when Bill Tarmey who played Jack Duckworth quit the role, it was rumoured that Elizabeth would return to the show as a ghost. Liz did in fact return for one scene for Jack's exit, where he passed away and experienced a vision of his late wife. After leaving Coronation Street , Elizabeth reprised the role of the ghost of Vera Duckworth, visiting Norris Cole in a one-off sketch show as part of ITV 's Text Santa charity initiative which was broadcast on 21st December 2012 . Quotes "I wouldn't know love, I think he's wet." (First line, in response to whether Robert Redford has short legs) --- "You smell like Elsie Tanner on VE night!" (to Jack when he comes home smelling of women's perfume) --- "She looks like the kind of old trollop that our Jack would knock around with." (on Jack's alter ego, Ida Fagg , convinced she and Jack were having an affair) --- "Well what are you going to do in Blackpool ?

You will have to stay with me then as I will be the only one you know." (Final line) --- "Get a move on, Jack! We're gonna miss the bus at the rate you're going!" (in the dream before Jack's death) "When did you go soft?" (in the dream of Jack's)

Question: Who played Jack Duckworth in Coronation Street
Answer: Bill Tarmey